Living The Lifestyle, Tuesday, May 4, 2021

88olds

We meet here to explore, share, celebrate and (sometimes) agonize over how we do (or don't) incorporate weight loss guidelines into our daily lives. "It's a lifestyle, not a diet" is easily and often said, but sometimes not so simply put into practice.

This is a thread for everyone. If you're new to GoaD, or to weight loss, your questions and comments are always welcome. If you're maintaining, or a long-term loser, your thoughts on the topic may be just what someone else needs to hear. If you're reading this, join in the discussion!

Each weekday, a new topic is offered up for discussion.

Monday - crewahl (Charlie)
Tuesday – 88Olds
Wednesday -
Thursday - misterhub (Greg)
Friday -

Topic: The Big Picture

How do you look at this overall project? Trying to repent for gluttony? A search for discipline? A search for those special food combinations that will result in weight loss? What do you think the overall picture is about?

Bonus: Is there a movie you turn on just about every time you come across it?

88olds

Sometimes I kick myself for putting on so much weight and/or taking so long to getting around to losing. But then I think about the big picture. For me I think the big picture was about growing up. Yup, growing up. I started weight loss at 44.

Years since I’ve seen it but I think there’s a song in the cartoon movie Pinocchio, There Are No Strings On Me. That’s how I used to view a number of things, eating probably number 1. But we live in a physical universe with limits. Going around pretending that we don’t is going around longing for a world that doesn’t exist.

Once I accepted that what I was really trying to do was find some way to live within some reasonable limits the weight loss bag of emotion got to be a lot lighter. Find some livable limits. Its OK. I didn’t need to pout. It’s just how the world is. And its the only one we’ve got.

DavidKuhnsSr

How do you look at this overall project?

It is an effort to keep me, being me. When I gained weight and got fat, I lost me. The me I know, is one who can hike all day in the mountains, who can wear the uniforms I had when I retired from the Army, who looks trim and reasonably fit when I look in the mirror.

I am 71. I can still put in a 15 to 20 mile day on a trail, with 3 to 4 thousand feet of climbing. That is important to me. I couldn't do that when I was carrying around an extra 60 lbs.

In Nov. 2019, my granddaughter's school asked family members who were veterans to come to the school to be recognized on Veterans Day- in uniform, if possible. I made sure my hair was within standards, put a fresh spitshine on a pair of combat boots and "broke starch" on a set of BDUs. I still looked like an Army sergeant major, and my granddaughter was thrilled.

I look and feel like me. Advancing age might force me to alter my view of self, but I don't want fat to be the cause.

BONUS: There are a bunch of movies I always turn on. Zulu, My Darling Clementine, The Man Who Would Be King, The Magnificent Seven, all come to mind.

steve0mania

I think the overall project is about me trying to be the best "me" that I can be. When I'm lighter, I feel better about myself and I don't feel like I have no control over my desire to eat in an unhealthy way. In some ways it's similar to when I gave up smoking (25+ years ago)...it was clear that it was a maladaptive habit and there was really no reason to continue with it.

Now I'm much happier being a healthier person, who has also reminded himself that he can do difficult things.

Bonus: Is there a movie you turn on just about every time you come across it?
Ha ha, there are so many! Pulp Fiction is a big one, Die Hard (I), Terminator II, The Matrix...

crewahl

I’m trying to build a fortification of good health around the mound of rubble left by the bad habits that got me here. I know I’ve done damage to myself, and I’m trying to keep it from getting worse. I don’t know how long I have (even though I’m planning on decades) but I do know I want to spend it all with a clear mind and a body that is not dependent on others for the routines of daily living.

Princess Bride. “You keep using that word. I do not think you know what it means.” Watching that movie is the only thing I can see that Ted Cruz and I have in common.

88olds

Forgot the bonus:

The Outlaw Josie Wales
Rio Bravo
Back To The Future

And my middle of the night can’t sleep favorite- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Al_Howard

Topic: The Big Picture

How do you look at this overall project? Trying to repent for gluttony? A search for discipline? A search for those special food combinations that will result in weight loss? What do you think the overall picture is about?

It's just a grind, before goal, and a death march after.